Colourful MotoGP convoy arrives at Catalunya

Colourful MotoGP convoy arrives at Catalunya

The remaining caravans of a convoy of MotoGP colour crawled into the Circuit de Catalunya today after a three day voyage from Italy to Spain in preparation for the second Grand Prix in as many weeks and the fifth of a 16-round season.

Several riders took the option to cross the Mediterranean by boat to Barcelona, whilst some took the scenic route around the edge of the coast, regrouping at one of the most popular venues on the World Championship calendar under bright sunshine and temperatures reaching 28ºC.
No rider was happier to arrive than local favourite Sete Gibernau, who is preparing for his home race as series leader for the first time in his career. "It's a special feeling to come to my home Grand Prix on top of the championship – it's a nice situation and I'm happy to be in it," commented the Spaniard, who finished second to Valentino Rossi in Sunday's race at Mugello. "It was hard work in Italy, with all the fans supporting their home riders, but here everybody will be on our side and it should be fun."
With over 200,000 visitors expected over the weekend and good weather forecast for Sunday, there is every reason for Gibernau's hopes to be fulfilled. Circuit organisers will certainly be hoping that's the case after doing their part to ensure enjoyment and safety all round, responding emphatically to the demands of the new generation MotoGP prototypes with a string of modifications to the track designed at further guaranteeing the safety of the riders.
On the back of advice given by the Grand Prix Commission, made up of MotoGP officials as well as riders Valentino Rossi, Kenny Roberts Jr., Sete Gibernau and Nobuatsu Aoki, the circuit has undergone extensions to several main gravel run-off traps, as well as a section of new asphalt surface on the main straight.